Jan 23
Me In Motion
Well it’s 2010 and here’s my first review of the new year. I received Me In Motion’s debut album this last week and have been giving it a spin. And honestly, I’m liking what I’m hearing.
May 30
Stellar Kart, We Can’t Stand Sitting Down
Band/Artist: Stellar Kart
Album: “We Can’t Stand Sitting Down”
Label: Word Records
Look out Relient K and Hawk Nelson, Stellar Kart is on the move. Not that there’s a competition or anything. It’s just that with Stellar’s sophomore release, “We Can’t Stand Sitting Down”, the punk
scene is getting a little crowded with talent. And make no mistake; Stellar Kart has a fantastic CD here.
Label: Sparrow Records
Hawk Nelson opened the night with 9 song, 35 minute set to the nearly packed sanctuary of Riverlawn Christian Church. HN was received warmly as they played the top songs from their album “Letter to the President” . These included the title track, “Letters to the President” and “California” among those. HN closed with “Every Little Thing” which really had the crowd going.
Band/Artist: Relient K
Album: “mmhmm”
Label: Gotee Records
Relient K is back with their 7th CD “mmhmm”. The CD is packed with 14 energetic power-punk tracks. The CD is sure to thrill their many fans and probably make so new ones as well. The band has matured a lot and this is the most radio-friendly CD they’ve put out. That could be a bad thing, as punk and radio-friendly don’t (or shouldn’t) go hand-in-hand. But in this case, it’s a good thing.
May 15
Audio Adrenaline, The Diverse City Tour: with Toby Mac, Kutless, Hawk Nelson
Band/Artist: Audio Adrenaline
Album: “The Diverse City Tour: with Toby Mac, Kutless, Hawk Nelson”
Label: Forefront Records
I took the family to see the sold out Diverse City Tour show. There was something for everyone here. I’ve wanted to see Kutless in concert. And Hawk Nelson was a bonus for me. The rest of the family likes Toby Mac. I’ve never been a huge fan of Audio Adrenaline; they have some stuff I like. Overall, no one came away overly disappointed except me.
May 07
Forever Changed, The Need to Feel Alive
Band/Artist: Forever Changed
Album: “The Need to Feel Alive”
Label: Floodgate Records
This is the first national release for the Florida based Forever Changed. Their style is a mixture of EMO, pop and punk. Several reviews I read seem to think they sound a little U2-ish at times. I don’t know, I think that’s stretching it. I don’t really hear it. I think they sound closer to bands like Juliana Theory, Further Seems Forever and Anberlin.
May 05
Showbread, No Sir, Nihilism Is Not Practical
Band/Artist: Showbread
Album: “No Sir, Nihilism Is Not Practical”
Label: Solid State Records
Oh wow, was this CD great. I must admit at first I was a little apprehensive about it, since I am not a punk fan. But the chaotic rhythm and harmonic vocals, combined with a few screams here and there, quickly won me over. The guitar work is awesome and the beat is always intense and driving. Like I said, it was a complete surprise at how much I really enjoyed this new band on the block.
